There was a remarkable interview of Jim Brady and his wife Sarah on today's "Weekend Edition Saturday".
The experience of being shot thirty years ago, propelled the Bradys, formerly mainstream Republicans, into dramatic activism against gun violence, particularly in the form of their highly effective, 'Brady Campaign'.
But what really hit home was this exchange between NPR's Scott Simon and Sarah Brady:
SIMON: What, Sarah Brady, what do you think your son has learned from Jim and you?
Ms. BRADY: Compassion. Scott's one of the kindest, most compassionate kids I ever - well, kid - man. Caring, politically active. We raised a good liberal son.
(Soundbite of laughter)
SIMON: He's not a Republican, you mean?
Ms. BRADY: No.
Mr. BRADY: No.
Ms. BRADY: Nor are we anymore. Times change.
I think the world is divided between the half that has compassion and the half whose every response to the needs of others is, 'I got mine'. I don't believe in heaven or hell but I can imagine who'd be occupying each.
